Instrumentation

Welcome to the DPA Material Characterization Lab!

Our facility is home to several metrology and microscopy resources available for use by the UD research commmunity. Support, operation, and training is provided for users to ensure quality data and timely turnaround times at reasonable rates. For all inquiries regarding daily operations, instrumentation, and usage please contact me, Robert Schmidt. I'm a member of the DPA lab staff and responsible for overseeing daily operations and coordinating instrumentation usage. I look forward to working with you.

This SPM device is capable of performing several measurement modes for analyzing physical properties of surfaces with high precision and resolution. The microscope is ideal for investigating small samples and has a scanning range up to 100x100x10 µm, in air only.
Available modes: Contact and Intermittent topography, Magnetic Force Microscopy, Electrostatic Force Microscopy, Scanning Capacitance Microscopy, Kelvin Probe Microscopy, Spreading Resistance Imaging, Lithography

No user training is provided at this time, but samples can be submitted to a dedicated technician for imaging and data collection. Purchasing new tips is recommeded.

Rates: TBD

X-Ray Diffraction: The Rigaku IV X-ray Diffractometer

A high precision powder X-ray diffractometer with horizontal sample mount. Users can use the system as a dedicated focusing-beam system for general powder and bulk samples or switch between the Crossbeam optics for multi-layer film parallel beam, small angle scattering, micro-focus, thin film high resolution, and in-plane X-ray optics. The tool uses a stepping motor with minimum step angles of 1/10000 degrees control.

User training is available for this instrument, but X-Ray safety training is required before users are allowed to operate.

Rates: $2.31/hr (UD)

Physical Property Measurement System

Quantum Design’s Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) can perform magnetic and electro-transport measurements in sample environments having 9T fields and temperatures ranging from 2 to 340K. This PPMS is configured with the following measurements options: DC extraction magnetization, AC susceptibility, torque magnetometry, and DC/AC resisistivity. A horizontal rotator is also available to perform angular studies of a sample’s magnetoresistance. A variety of platforms are available for mounting samples. Additional information and specifications can be found on the vendor’s webpage: http://www.qdusa.com/products/ppms.html

Limited user training is available for this instrument, a dedicated operator is assigned to handle hardware set-up, sample loading/unloading, and measurements.

Rates: $10.97hr Internal Users (UD), $17.11 External Users (Non UD)

VersaLab: Vibrating Sample Magnetometer

The Quantum Design VersaLab is a cryogen-free, cryocooler-based material characterization platform. It executes DC magnetization measurements with a temperature range of 50–400K, and 3 tesla field strength.